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So you’ve touched down in South East Asia and you’re ready to hit the streets. Maybe you are planning on exploring further afield a little later on, and you have heard of other foreigners renting motorbikes (or scooters) and you’re wondering about it yourself. Is it legal? Safe? Expensive? All of these are valid questions that we will cover in this short guide to renting a motorbike in Asia!

Is It Legal?

Yes! 100% As long as you don’t drive like you have something to prove and you take your bike back when you are supposed to, you should have absolutely no issues renting a motorbike. Foreigners and backpackers, tourists of all kinds frequently rent motorbikes in Asia with no hassle or problems at all. Just use your common sense, pick a reputable rental place (like the one all the foreigners go to!) and you should be fine.

Is It Safe?

As with driving everywhere, it’s only as safe as you make it. Drive slow, the road are in significantly rougher shape in South East Asia than they are back home. Be prepared that you will experience potholes that make potholes back home look like a minor nuisance. Obey the rules (what few there are) and signposted (if any) speed limits. Essentially watch what everyone else does and pay attention to where people are going and what they’re doing. The most important thing is to take it slow – even if you do have a small accident or fall off then it’s nothing more than a scrape and a bump and off you go again.

It’s equally important to remember that the bikes available, especially in rural places will be driven to hell and often are missing things like speedometers, gear identifiers and sometimes even ignition, meaning you will have to kickstart your bike every time. Check a bike thoroughly before you rent, and if you aren’t happy with the state of the bike, you’re well within your right to ask for a different one. You may even ask to test drive it before committing to a rental.

Do I Need A License and Insurance?

No, not always. Many places are happy to rent to foreigners without any kind of previous license of any kind. You may be offered a five minute crash course in how the bike works and then sent on your merry way to figure it out as you go. This is part of the fun, but if you aren’t sure, ask. Your travel insurance should cover any injuries you sustain from riding a motorbike, but it’s useful to check in advance. Some policies may not cover anything to do with motorbiking, especially if you aren’t licensed.

Is It Expensive?

Different countries will have difference prices for bike rentals. The average is around $20USD per day, and some places can hammer out a longer term weekly rental if you are going well and truly off the beaten path. It’s important to understand here that the company or guesthouse may keep your passport a collateral OR ask for a damage deposit up front. Check in advance and ask around, especially if you aren’t happy leaving your passport as collateral (many people aren’t).

What About Buying One?

This is where it gets tricky. Buying a bike is as simple as can be. Many people come to the area, buy a bike for the month or two they’re in the region, then sell it on. This can be a really cost effective way to have your own bike while you’re in a country, with some people selling decent bikes for around $200USD (that’s only 10 days of rental, by the way!), so it’s easy to see why buying can be the best option.

The issue is taking the bike across other borders. There has recently (as recent as 2016) been new stipulations over “foreign” bikes crossing Asian borders and the hassle can be enormous. Enormous enough to consider selling your bike and just buying a new one in your next country. Check online and in foreigner expat groups for details as they had been only just coming out slowly in the summer of 2016 regarding Thailand and Laos instituting new taxes, stipulations and halts on foreign bikes coming into their countries. It honestly is easier to just sell your bike off in one country then buy a new one in the next, especially in Laos in the southern city of Pakse, where it seems every restaurant has an advertisement for a bike for sale.

So there you have a quick beginner’s guide to renting (or buying!) a motorbike in Asia. Remember that a motorbike can be a dangerous piece of equipment and always take it slow and steady when first starting out. Enjoy!

If you’ve been planning a trip to South East Asia for awhile, chances are you have already put the old standby of Thailand on your list of ‘must sees’. While Thailand does have some seriously impressive things that should be seen, much of it has become somewhat seedy and attracted a rather party element to it. Don’t take this the wrong way – there are many places in Thailand that are worth a visit, just know where you’re going and what you want out of your trip. But Thailand isn’t the only place you should consider heading to, and in fact you should check out the newly opening up country of Burma (Myanmar). Read ahead for the top three places to check out in this blooming country that people are only just starting to head to en masse, so get in while you can!

Bagan (Pagan)

Bagan was a former bustling city in the Mandalay district of Myanmar. In its heigh between the 9-13th centuries the kingdom of Bagan helped to unify the regions of greater Myanmar that eventually led to the creation of the country. Likewise during this time, over 10,000 Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas and other buildings were erected in the area, of which around 2,200 survive today. The region not only is comprised of these remaining impressive religious temples and structures, but the mountains nearby and the vast, flat plains make for some impressive photo opportunities at sunset and sunrise when the temples peek from the jungle with shadowy silhouettes. For an extremely unique look at the area, consider exploring by hot air balloon, which is usually only available in the dry season due to sometimes turbulent weather in the monsoon season.

Inle Lake

This large lake is the second largest in the country and is located in the south west in Shan province. The lake is home to around 70,000 residents who reside in four cities primarily but there are numerous villages dotted around its shores as well. The people who live around the lake are primarily self sufficient farmers who either make a living growing their own food or fishing – or a combination of both! The Intha, as they like to be called, have devised a system for growing food on the the waters of the lake in floating gardens. The lake has become one of the hottest places for tourists to Myanmar, which means that there are a number of great accommodation options, including luxury ones!

Yangon and Mandalay

The cities have a few attractions such as temples like the Shwedagon Golden Pagoda in Yangon which is 2,500 years old. This impressive structure and complex absolutely dazzles in the sunlight and is a must for any visitor to the area. Trips outside of Mandalay and Yangon can be arranged and there are numerous to choose from such as a trip to Sagaing-Ava and Amapura monastery and temples is worth a trip. There is a gemstone market worth a visit in Yangon where some of the worlds cheapest Jade, including white Jade can be found for rock bottom prices.

So there you have a couple of great reasons why you should head to South East Asia’s newest opened up country – Myanmar. With so many corners still closed off to tourists, it’s easy to see why this is an alluring and curious country, so come and check it out while it’s still relatively wild for a taste of real Myanmar.